Verstappen navigates chaos to claim pole in Azerbaijan as Piastri crashes out

WALLED OUT: McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia in action during the qualifying for the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Championship leader Oscar Piastri crashed out of qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Max Verstappen claimed pole in a chaotic session.

In an extraordinary qualifying which featured a record total of six red flags and lasted almost two hours, Verstappen clinched a sixth pole of the season by delivering a flawless lap at the end.